Tradition, mostly religious, wants that this tree is on Earth by about seven thousand years and that it was used symbolically but that even if they were to consume the fruits on the table. It is supposed to be native to the Eastern Mediterranean, in the region of Israel precisely.
Later they were introduced the first squeezing methods, thanks to the Greeks, to gain from the olive oil that was used as fuel for lamps, and the table. The Romans and Greeks to facilitate its dissemination in our continent. With in-depth knowledge also he was begun to use olive oil as a medicine and cosmetics.
As time has evolved the press method, getting different refining oil. The best is the extra virgin olive oil that is obtained from the first pressing, without refining although in fact in all of this there is the hand of the ancient Romans who already at that time had clear ideas about the distinction of the various types of oil who were unable to obtain:
- Oleum ex albis ulivis: the highest quality from green olives.
- Oleum viride: made from freshly ripened olives.
- Oleum maturum: obtained from already ripe black olives.
- Olei flos (flower oil): the first pressing.
- Oleum sequens: second pressing.
- Oleum cibarium: ordinary oil.
- Oleum caducum: mediocre, too ripe olives.
- Oleum cibarium: poor quality, made from olives attacked by parasites.
Many believe it is fattening, however in small doses, though calorie, helps in weight loss as it helps the metabolism, has an anti insulin and prevents abdominal fat storage.
It 's true that olive oil should be eaten raw to take advantage of its benefits and maintain its properties, but it is also true that it is good for frying because of its high smoke point than other oils. Not to alter the properties it is good to store it in dark glass bottles or in steel drums in cool dark place.
olive oil Features:
- the flavor is mainly due to the degree of ripeness of the olives, bitter and slightly spicy flavor is a sign of green olives;
- the color also varies depending on the degree of maturation, a gold color indicates mature olives;
- It must have the smell never closed but of olives;
- the density should be checked by pouring a drop on a plate, if you quickly expands the oil is not good.
Extra virgin olive oil: properties and health benefits
The extra virgin olive oil is part of the category of good fats because it is a monounsaturated fat, composed of triglycerides, fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and palmitic.
So let's take a look at the chemical composition of this oil:
- fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and palmitic acid;
- polyphenols;
- Vitamin E;
- carotenoids;
- beta-carotene;
- chlorophyll;
- phytosterols.
- emollient properties, in fact makes the skin soft and shiny hair;
- anti-aging properties, it slows aging, the oxidation of cells and prevents the action of free radicals;
- cardioprotective properties, namely due to its being monounsaturated fat helps to control cholesterol and arteries clear;
- of body growth properties, useful in childhood for the development of bones and brain;
- hepatoprotective properties, which supports and protects the liver in its functions;
- gastrointestinal properties, regulates intestinal function and fight constipation;
- anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent the organic and bone inflammation;
- anticancer properties, recently it was discovered that olive oil would be useful for combating the proliferation of cancer cells.
It also helps to reduce the risk of diabetes, prevents dermatitis and regulates blood pressure.
Extra virgin olive oil: uses and natural remedies
There are so many uses that can be used as extra virgin olive oil. For example, in cosmetics, for the welfare of nails, skin and hair.
The masks for the hair with olive oil feed them, make them less frizzy and shinier. No need to go overboard if you have oily hair.
The extra virgin olive oil is also recommended for dry skin suffering from dermatitis or sensitive (eg for shaving operations it is advisable to massage it on the skin before and after.
It 'also very useful to combat fungal infections of the nails and fragility, just soak your nails in a little olive oil and lemon juice and leave.
It happened to have dry lips and not be able to use chap stick? Get yourself a bit 'of olive oil and sprinkle on the lips so soft return.
This perhaps know, or maybe not, I put to the test: the extra virgin olive oil can be used as make-up remover? The answer is yes. In case of emergency, a few drops on a cotton disc solve the problem.
According to the remedies of the grandmother, a sip of olive oil profited two disorders: constipation and snoring, the first is confirmed but the second? To try!
To clean the ear, or in case of otitis, let cool extra virgin olive oil (attention should be warm not hot to burn yourself!) And lower it gently in the ears, holding her head tilted on his shoulder.
Redness diaper? No problem, after cleaning the baby massaged a bit 'of olive oil.
If the sea we have the misfortune of walking on a sea urchin, we bathe the area with the olive oil to more easily extract the quills.
And 'finally useful to remove traces of color from hair and hands and even in the unlikely event that a chewing gum from sticking to the foliage or to eradicate lice.
Olive oil: contraindications
The extra virgin olive oil has no particular side effects, it would be good not to assume a high dosage waves incur in dysentery or hypervitaminosis vitamin E.
